Thames Path Challenge
The River Thames, England’s greatest river, provides the backdrop for The Thames Path Challenge (TPC), organised by Action Challenge.
With a multiple of distance options to suit everyone, TPC forms part of the weekend ‘festival’ of challenges, where over 3,000 participants walk, jog or run along the River Thames, as it stretches from Putney Bridge in Central London, heading upstream to Henley-on-Thames.
The full 100km continuous challenge, which i was attempting, is a gruelling test of endurance, and this is my story.
The Thames Path
The Thames Path is a long-distance walking trail that follows the River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier in London, covering around 184 miles (294km).
This scenic route takes walkers through a variety of landscapes, from peaceful countryside and historic towns to the bustling cityscape of London.
Starting at Thames Head, near Kemble in Gloucestershire, the trail meanders through rural villages, market towns, and historic landmarks like Oxford, Henley-on-Thames, and Windsor, with its famous castle.
The path captures the river’s natural beauty, from serene meadows and wildlife habitats to iconic bridges and watermills.
As the Thames Path approaches London, the scenery transitions from countryside to urban sprawl, passing significant sites such as Kew Gardens, Richmond, and Hampton Court Palace. In the heart of London, the path winds past iconic locations like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, giving walkers a unique perspective on the City’s landmarks.
The path ends at the Thames Barrier, a massive flood defence structure near Greenwich.
For me, nothing encapsulates the Thames Path better than Danny Boyle’s opening ceremony sequence to the London 2012 Olympics! The opening moments set the stage for a dramatic sweeping aerial sequence that followed the river’s journey through iconic British landscapes and landmarks, highlighting its historical importance as the lifeblood of London. This footage has stayed with me ever since, and you can see for yourselves here just why!
The Thames Path Challenge
Distance Options
Full Continuous 100 KM Challenge - Putney to Henley
Full 2 Day Daylight 100 KM Challenge - Putney - Runnymede - Henley
Three Quarter Challenge 72 KM - Hurst Park to Henley
1st Half Challenge 50 KM - Putney to Runnymede
2nd Half Challenge 50 KM - Runnymede to Henley
1st Quarter Challenge 28 KM - Putney to Hampton
2nd Quarter Challenge 22 KM - Hampton to Runnymede
3rd Quarter Challenge 28 KM - Runnymede to Cookham
4th Quarter Challenge 22 KM - Cookham to Henley
Plus
Thames Moonlight 10 Walk - The Thames Moonlight 10 Walk is a fun 10km or 10 mile looped route with a start near The Oval in Vauxhall.
Thames Bridges Trek - 25 km & zig-zag over 16 historic bridges from Putney Bridge to Tower Bridge through Central London.
Henley 10km - Take on the Henley 10K with a riverside start / finish. A beautiful route as a walk, jog or run at your pace.
Full Continuous 100 KM Challenge
FACTS
Distance and Elevation - 100km, 350m
Start and Finish - Start: Bishops Park
Start times: 7am for runners, 7am – 9am for joggers & walkers
Finish: Henley-on-Thames
Finish times: Runners 9 – 16 hrs, joggers 16 – 20 hrs, walkers 20 – 36 hrs
Food and Rest Stops - Every 10-15km under marquees with support – toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water & snacks & much more.
Snacks & drinks – every 10-15 km
28 km – picnic lunch & fizzy drinks
50 km – hot meal
78 km – brunch/ lunch
100 km – cooked breakfast/hot meal
Finish – glass of fizz, medal & t-shirt
Link to my OS Maps route of the Full 100km Thames Path Challenge
Full Continuous 100 KM Challenge - My Story
Some Background
As many of you know, i’m no stranger to ultra challenge events! I’ve participated in dozens over years, over various distances; From 25km, 42km & 50km to 100km full ultra challenges. All of which i’m proud to say i’ve successfully completed!
I’m also a Trek Master (TM) from time to time for Action Challenge. As the name suggests, a TM volunteer is walking route support during an event. the focus is very much on using previous experience as an ultra participant to impart skills, knowledge and to give both moral and practical support to those encountering difficulties, especially during the later stages of an event.
Given all my experience and past triumphs, this should be a walk in the park, right? Hmm…
A 100km ultra challenge is exactly as the name suggests…a challenge! Plus i did have some concerns about this particular one…
Some Concerns
Leading up to the Thames Path Challenge i had been feeling surprisingly nervous! Given all my previous experience, why was i so anxious about taking on this particular challenge?
TPC Reputation - Ok, so any 100km ultra challenge is going to be tough! But the Thames Path Challenge has a reputation of being one of the toughest ultra events. Why? Although hardly any elevation, it is a continual slog over hard ground, comprising of towpaths, pavements, and paths, with no let up on the impact on your legs and feet. Muscle cramps and blistered feet would be likely, if not inevitable.
Lack of training - Normally i’m well prepared for a 100km ultra challenge. Typically that means having gone on several long distance hikes, perhaps one or two 50km challenges as well. Although my overall level of fitness was good, and i had completed a couple of 42km marathon events in 2024, they were much earlier in the year, and i hadn’t walked further than 25km-30km for some time.
Legs - All year i had been struggling with various pains and strains, and even with some physio just before the event, i didn’t feel confident my legs would hold up for such a gruelling challenge! (More on that to come).
Psychological- Lastly, but perhaps my biggest challenge, was that i had lost my Father only a few weeks prior to the challenge, and this had had a huge emotional impact on me. My Dad was one of my strongest supporters, and loved hearing about all my adventures, even though he thought i was mad! So this event i planned to do in his memory.
So to get through this, would take a great deal of mental strength and memory recall, knowing i’ve done this before. So, concerns planted firmly at the back of my mind, i was ready for the challenge that lay ahead!
#ForMyDad
Event Registration
Having booked a hotel not too far away for the night before the event, i headed to Bishops Park for event registration, and to collect my event pack - bib, lanyard, route card, and TPC buff!
I love the evening prior to an event, seeing some familiar friendly faces, and meeting some participants for which this was a whole new experience! I stayed a short while, chatting to various people, before i headed off to meet up with some friends.
Mike and Doug
I was super excited to be teaming up with Mike and Doug, the three of us having been on the same Everest Base Camp trek in 2022. I’d seen Mike a few times since then, but i hadn’t seen Doug since we got back to the UK after EBC. It was great to see him!
The plan being that the three of us would start off together, Doug was taking on the TPC over 2 days, with Mike and I doing TPC continually.
Left to right: Doug, Mike and me
After a few beers, glasses of wine, and a ‘dirty’ burger, it was time for an early night…an early night basically means - laying out all your challenge gear, checking and double checking what you’ve got and deciding what you’ll carry in your day bag, and what you’ll need in your drop off bag etc. Then spending the rest of the night tossing and turning until it’s finally time to get up! It goes without saying, it’s traditional not to get too much sleep the night before an ultra!
Tonight was no exception!
Full Continuous 100km Thames Path Challenge
Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th September 2024
Saturday 5am
I’m wide awake, and after a hot shower, i spend the next 30 minutes taping my feet (my ultra ritual), before getting dressed, and packed. 5.45am and i’m out my hotel, taking 3 stops on the tube to reach Putney Bridge. Bishops Park lies just across the road.
I head straight for bag drop. I have a large bag which holds a full change of clothes, walking shoes, bathroom essentials, and loads more stuff i didn’t really need at all! This will be transported first to the 50km halfway rest stop, and then onto the finish at Henley.
After dropping off my bag, it’s then that i notice i’ve lost a mid-layer fleece that i had wrapped around my waist. Damn! Too late to get my bag back for a spare, i purchase a new fleece at the Action Challenge merchandise stall.
The place is buzzing as more and more participants begin to arrive, and make their own final preparations before entering the starting pen.
I meet up with Mike and Doug, plus a few more friendly faces we know from the ultra challenge circuit, and as the clock ticks towards 6.45am, it’s our turn to make our way into the starting pen.
7am
START
7.02am and we head off!
There’s a slight chill in the air, being Mid-September, but as the sun rises the skies are clear, and the forecast is looking good for the entire challenge!
It’s a slow start, as hundreds of participants thread their way through Bishops Park and onto the Towpath, that leads us up onto Putney Bridge.
Once across the bridge, and past some of the early throng of people, we’re back onto the towpath, and we start to stretch our legs. Mike, Doug and i are in deep conversation about all things Everest Base Camp! Doug had revisited EBC earlier this year, along with a couple of others from our tour, Karen and Janet. I was keen to hear all about it!
A little further along we pass Hammersmith Bridge.
We’re now around 4km into our challenge, and one of my concerns was already on my mind - my legs! I hadn’t been able to shake off cramps in my calves and hamstrings! Not ideal! I would just have to put it to the back of my mind, as there was no way i would let that bother me so early on. I made a mental note to do some more stretching at the first rest stop (still a long way off - at 16.5km).
The first hour seemed to fly by, and we’re making great progress! We walk under Barnes bridge, passing many rowing clubs and several rowers who have taken the advantage of the early morning weather and solitude of the river.
8.30am
We’re now on a track, shaded by the trees on either side approaching Mortlake. Despite it still being early morning, the chill has long gone and the sun is beating down. The shade is a welcome relief.
Seemingly lost in our own thoughts, the three of us occasionally take turns to walk alone.
This pattern continues for a while as we continue along the track, with Kew Gardens always ever present on our left, although we can’t actually see any of it from our position.
9.15am
As with every ultra challenge event, there are always other participants (pax) you pass along the way. Some you exchange some friendly chat or banter with, others prefer to just keep their head down as they focus on their own personal challenges.
One lady i briefly stopped to talk to, who is a bit of a legend in the Action Challenge (AC) circles, is Kate.
Kate is always on the AC challenge events, and has completed over 150 marathons! Some feat, especially for someone in their mid-sixties!
What a delight to bump into her, as today of all days was her birthday! 2 large birthday badges front and back were a big clue! So we stopped to give her a big hug, wish her a happy birthday, and left her in peace to continue along her merry way.
We continue, as we pass Deer Park, previously used as Rest Stop (RS) 1, but not anymore, as we approach Twickenham Road, and soon after Richmond Road Bridge.
10.10am
REST STOP 1: Ham Fields (16.5km/100km)
After 3 hours and 10 minutes of walking, Doug, Mike and i enter our first Rest Stop, at Ham Fields.
It’s pretty hot out there, so it’s a welcome relief to unload our packs, and get some much needed refreshments.
There’s always plenty of snacks and fruit etc at the various rest stops. But RS1 is synonymous with pastries! Yum!!
Remembering my sore legs, I also use the time to take off my shoes, and do some stretching. Just to make sure, i also take some pain killers!
Some 15-20 minutes later, feeling well and truly refreshed, it’s time to head back out on the trail. Time can go pretty quickly in rest stops, and none of us want to rest for too long, not at this stage anyway!
Stage 2 of our Thames Path Challenge is a 11.5km stretch, taking us past some delightful riverside properties along the way, via Richmond, Kingston, and Hampton Court, before we would reach RS2 (our lunch stop) at Hurst Park.
All of that to come.
10.30am
We head back out onto the trail, and the three of us are in great spirits. The next few kms pass quite quickly, as the path heads towards Richmond.
The pain killers must have kicked in, as the aches in my legs have subsided, and i’m feeling much better!
11.30am and we make it to Kingston. There are many moments throughout our challenge where Mike and i pinch ourselves that we’re sharing this journey together. We share a joke or two, and we’re all smiles as we cross Kingston Bridge.
The next 4 or 5 kms are on hard ground, as the path weaves its way around the edge of Hampton Court Park on our right. From time to time i find myself dropping back just ever so slightly, as Doug and Mike seem to have a head of steam. I’m more than happy to pace myself, as i know i’ll eventually catch up, and also that we still have a very long way to go.
The hard ground continues for a further 45 minutes, as we eventually approach Hampton Court Palace. From our side of the Palace it’s hard to get a proper sighting, as two rows of metal gates obstruct our view. But we stop to admire the gold bling on the front of the gates! Love a bit of bling!
12.43pm
Rest Stop 2: Hurst Park (28.5km/100km)
Lunch
After another 20 minutes, we finally reach our 2nd rest stop, Hurst Park, which meant it was time for some well-earned lunch, and a bit of a longer break, to give us time to refuel and prepare for the afternoon section.
Throughout the morning, and also in the back of my mind prior to the challenge, i had been thinking whether i could complete this challenge in under 24 hours, something i hadn’t managed to achieve before. So far, yes we were there or there abouts, and if we managed our rest stops accordingly, perhaps it would be possible? Mike’s plan, which was far more sensible, and realistic, was to aim for somewhere close to 26 hours. To be honest, i knew he was right!
Once we had stopped for lunch, and as time started to tick away, i soon put sub 24 hours out of my mind. What was i thinking? This was going to be all about finishing the challenge, and not killing ourselves in the process! If it meant taking lengthy breaks at the various rest stops, then so be it. We were in this together!
Having said all that, in truth i was pleased to rest for a while. It gave me time to take on board a healthy amount of food and water, and the opportunity to stretch out those stiff legs of mine!
We took 40 minutes in total, which under the circumstances felt just about right.
The next section felt like it would be a bit of a freebie, as in a relatively short distance to the next rest stop…a mere 7.5km.
It was 1.20pm when we left Hurst Park.
The sun was now beating down, and with the steady pace Doug, Mike and i were walking, it felt like it was getting hotter by the minute!
I think when you know there isn’t a great distance to travel between one rest stop and another, it quickens your stride, and we were in full flow!
But as the scenery changed from wide river to narrow canal locks, and to countryside paths, it was a pleasant stretch of our challenge.
With the sun continuing to beat down, it felt energy sapping! But i had the awareness of the importance of ensuring to take in plenty of regular fluids, with my usual addition of electrolytes.
Even so, and despite this shortish stretch between rest stops, the heat was beginning to take its toll. I think we all must have been feeling it, as when we approached an ice cream van about an hour into this section, we all jumped at the opportunity to take in a cool, mouth-watering treat! Thanks Doug!
It didn’t take too long to consume our well-earned treats! It really did help to lift us!
We were now passing through Walton-on-Thames, with its array of picturesque riverside properties we all continued to admire as we continued along the hard trail.
From Walton-on-Thames we crossed over a bridge as we began to approach Shepperton.
After another 15 minutes and we arrived at Rest Stop 3.
2.50pm (approx.)
Rest Stop 3: Thamesmead School (36km/100km)
As we entered into the school grounds i headed straight for the water supply and immediately drank as much as i could before refilling my bottle once again. I was feeling the heat.
I eventually entered the school hall, which was laden with various fruits, snacks, and the pic n mix table!
Normally i would have filled my boots with sweet treats, but i headed straight for a chair next to Doug, and i took off my bag and shoes and sat down.
Something came over me that i hadn’t experienced before on any challenge…a wave of heat took over my entire body,. I felt flushed, nauseous, and i was finding it hard to cool down. At this point i was extremely concerned whether i’d be able to continue.
I decided to speak with the medics, who once they were satisfied with some of the answers to their questions, advised me to sit and rest, and not go back out until i had managed to cool down. I wasn’t going to argue!
Sitting inside the hall wasn’t helping me, so i decided to sit outside under the shade. Doug and Mike joined me. We all agreed that it was sensible for all of us to take our time. The sun had drained us, and there was no benefit to rushing back out.
Whilst we sat outside I must have eaten my bodyweight in fruit, such as watermelon, honeydew melon and oranges, and i continued to drink plenty of water.
Under normal circumstances we wouldn’t have taken much more than 20 minutes at this rest stop. But all in all we rested for around 40 minutes. But the rest seemed to have done its trick, and i felt a lot better. Although we still had a long way to go until the halfway point at 50km, we also knew that the heat from the sun would soon begin to fade, and therefore hopefully wouldn’t have the same effect as previously.
3.35pm (approx.)
Our next section was another fairly long stint or approx. 14kms. But now feeling a lot better, it felt good to get back out. For Doug, this would be his last section for today, as he was taking on the 100km challenge over 2 days. For Mike and i it was our halfway point before heading back out through the night.
Either way, it’s a huge milestone to reach, and one we were all looking forward to achieving later this evening. For now, another 3 hours or so of walking lay ahead.
I felt a lot better as we left RS3, and headed back onto the trail once more. My confidence had returned, and i’d long forgotten about the aches and pains in my legs from earlier this morning. As long as i kept myself well hydrated, and took on enough food, i’d be fine. That’s what i kept telling myself anyway!
After a few side streets, and crossing over a major roundabout, we approached Shepperton Lock.
A further 20 mins of walking along the towpath, we entered a countryside track, as we passed the 40km mark! There’s something about hitting a major marker that lifts your spirits.
We were now in Chertsey, and for a short while we left the track and were on the softer footing of a grassy path through Chertsey Riverside.
5.04pm
Another 30 minutes had passed, as we began to approach the outskirts of Staines-upon-Thames.
As the sun was beginning to creep a little lower now, the temperature was far more comfortable, and over the course of the next 45 minutes or so, i was enjoying the vista, as the sun’s late afternoon rays were casting its deeper hues across the river. There was a stillness in the air, that comes as the sun starts its descent, and although i knew with the setting sun would bring with it a long dark, and no doubt cold night, for now i felt happy to be alive! I was back in the groove!
As we came into Staines, we exited the towpath, and were now back on the streets, as we pounded the pavements for a while.
Crossing a bridge back to the South side of the river, it wasn’t too long before we reached the edge of Egham around 6.15pm.
A Farewell to Doug!
As we were nearing the halfway stage at Runnymede, Doug came to his hotel, and it was time to say our goodbyes. It was really sad to see him go, as we’d all had such a great time throughout the day. I must admit i was also feeling a tad jealous that he’d soon be soaking in a hot bath or shower, and resting up for the night! On the other hand, he’d be going back out for his second half of the challenge at 6am tomorrow, and would have another long day ahead of him. I’m not sure whose shoes i would have rather been in at that point, but mine and Mike’s chosen path was to continue on. So on we went.
Thanks Doug!
A few minutes further down the path and Mike and i came to the 50km marker! Cool! Everything now was counting the kms down (you have to take any positive you can on these challenges - despite the slightly quizzical, tired gaze i had at this point!).
Just as the sun was beginning to set, we turned a corner, and were met with the welcoming site of our halfway rest stop at Runnymede!
It was time for a proper break, with the promise of a hot meal, change of clothes, and put our feet up for a while. Yay!!
6.30pm
Rest Stop 4: Runnymede (50km/100km)
Dinner
First things first…i decided to collect my large bag from baggage collection point, and get into some fresh clothes. Having done these events before, I was conscious that it wouldn’t be long before my body temperature would drop, and i needed to act fast.
So i removed my sweaty and rapidly cooling technical t-shirt, and put on a fresh one from my bag. I also put on a fleece to make sure i kept myself warm.
Before i gave myself the luxury of removing my walking shoes, i decided to get in some hot food. On the menu today, well the same as pretty much every other ultra challenge - choice between spaghetti bolognaise, or chile con carne. Spag bol it was! Oh, and of course i couldn’t say no to a cupcake!
I devoured the lot pretty quickly, along with a can of fizzy drink!
Next, it was time to remove my shoes. Oh yes! that felt awesome! I also found another empty chair to put my feet up…luxury!
After that, time to charge my phone, and Fitbit watch, and check my headtorches i’d be using through the night. Damn…one of my torches had been on throughout the day, and was drained of battery! I was pleased i had the sense to bring a spare (a good lesson for anyone reading this). I could use my charged headtorch, whilst i kept my spare on charge as i walked.
I then called my wife, Marissa. It was great to speak with her and receive some much needed encouragement for what lay ahead. I’m always extremely grateful to have such incredible support from Marissa, especially considering she’s always the one who has to pick up the pieces of my broken body after these events! Thanks Marissa!
Mike meanwhile was busy doing his own thing. It’s important to let everyone manage their challenge their way, and i gave him space, just as he was giving me.
I knew from speaking with him prior to this challenge that he had planned for a lengthy break at this rest stop. Although before the event, i hadn’t intended on remaining as long as Mike, which would have meant us going our separate ways, i decided it was best to stick this through together. I really wanted us to be there together at the end. Much later on, especially during the early hours of Sunday morning, i would be extremely grateful for that decision.
In the meantime whilst i was waiting, i changed my socks. I didn’t bother changing my KT tape at this point, as my feet actually seemed ok! Then as the sun had set and the night took over, the temperature dropped quite quickly. So i also put on my down jacket i had kept in my large bag. This down jacket would later prove to be a vital item of clothing! (More on that later).
8.20pm
Almost 2 hours after reaching Runnymede, it was time for Mike and i to head to the start pen for our safety/prep talk by one of the Trek Masters (TM), and get neon glowsticks attached to our backpacks.
A long dark and cold night lay ahead. No doubt one of the toughest parts of our challenge, which would test and ultimately decide our fate.
8.30pm
And just like that, Mike and i set off. A 13km section to Eton was in front of us.
The group we left Runnymede with all set off at a reasonably quick pace, part in an attempt to warm ourselves up, the other to just get on with it!
The path took us adjacent to the river, and i just managed to snap a photo before we would descend into deeper darkness.
Obviously as the night gets darker, and as you get more tired, the photos become less frequent.
Occasionally Mike and i would settle into the mix of the group and get chatting to various people. This is one of the many things i love about these challenges, where you get to talk to a variety of people from all types of backgrounds, and hear some amazing stories.
So for a while i walked along with a young chap from Newcastle. It was his first ultra challenge, and was loving the whole experience (so far).
We were heading in the direction of Windsor, where i’ve walked many times before (not that i could see that much on the darkened track we were currently walking on).
I was back walking with Mike again, and we were doing our best to keep up a steady pace. Actually, Mike was really the one setting the pace, which surprised me, but this is how it goes on a challenge. Sometimes you get a head of steam and you just roll with it. I was happy to follow in his footsteps.
We then join a route that’s used in another Action Challenge event, the Easter 50 Challenge, except in reverse. So despite the darkness, it all looks and feels familiar, as we weave our way through fields and soft ground en route to Windsor.
10.35pm
Just over 2 hours after we departed Runnymede, we hit the 60km marker! Just a mere 40km to go!
Eventually we hit the lights of Windsor, as we walk on solid ground again. Even in the dark, it doesn’t detract from the beauty. A lone turret of the historic Windsor Castle rises above the trees.
After turning right on the bridge, and then a left, we’re now on a track that runs along South Meadow. It takes us about 30 minutes to reach Rest Stop 5 - Eton Wick.
11.15pm
Rest Stop 5: Eton Wick (63km/100km)
That felt like a big stretch, although there’s another huge one in front of us!
For me, this rest stop is my Pot Noodle stop! The warmth from the soup and the salt intake would do wonders!
I can’t remember how long we actually stopped for. I don’t think much more than 20 minutes. But heading back out, it was time to put our down jackets back on. The temperature had dropped quite significantly!
11.35pm (approx.)
This section would no doubt be one of the toughest parts of the entire challenge. 14.5km, through the dark and cold. It’s here where you need to stay mentally strong, as your brain is telling you to stop and sleep, and the effects of the challenge really kick in!
I also can’t remember Mike and i holding much of a conversation through the early stages of this section. Both of us were digging deep, and focusing on our own thoughts.
I certainly didn’t bother taking any photos! Not for a long while.
It was cold! Damn cold!
As we walked along the riverside, a low fog appeared to come from nowhere, and with it the temperature seemed to plummet even more!
Occasionally, Mike and i would pause, and just catch our breath, and i’d stretch a little, and take in some more fluids.
Just keep walking.
We eventually passed Bray, famed for many a fancy restaurant, such as the Waterside Inn, and The Fat Duck. Very fancy, and very expensive!
After 2 hours since leaving Eton Wick, we hit the 70km marker!
From Bray the path headed towards Maidenhead. We eventually came to the brightly coloured bridge we’d be crossing. The river lay so still that the bridge’s reflection was a perfect mirror in the dark water.
We continued back on the other side of the river, and after a further 20 minutes we came across a bench where we both decided just to sit for a short while and catch our breath. I took out an orange which i devoured pretty quickly!
There was still a further 5km to go before our next rest stop.
Eventually the path veered off the river heading left in the direction of Cookham Moor. The path became a small and quiet country street, as we finally arrived, cold and tired and Rest Stop 6. Otherwise known as breakfast!
03.20am
Rest Stop 6: Cookham (77.5km/100km)
Breakfast
Prior to entering the rest stop, Mike and passed Bob, a long standing Trek Master, and legend on the Action Challenge circuit. He was wrapped up warm, protected from the elements, as he was positioned just outside on the corner, to direct passing participants (pax) in the right direction. It was great to see him briefly.
As we entered through the lit archway and had our lanyard registered, we were informed that loads of pax had dropped out, especially right here at this rest stop. It didn’t really surprise us, aside from the sheer quantity. The cold, at times, as the fog swept across the river, was enough to chill right through to your bones, and as we entered the building, it looked like a war zone!
Aside from the chance to grab some hot food, many people use this rest stop to grab some short sleep, or just close their eyes, and recover before heading back out once again.
But for many it seemed, this was their finish line, and you could see what it meant to them. Physically and emotionally drained, there were a few in tears. Mike and i did our best to console a few as best we could.
Then, hunger took a hold, and we grabbed ourselves some food and sat down, peeled off our shoes, and relaxed in the warmth.
We remained in this rest stop for 40 minutes.
04 am
Although it felt that we had broken the back of our challenge, with just a mere 22.5km to go, broken into 2 sections, we also knew heading back out that we would once again have to face the cold night air before night turned to dawn and then daylight.
We said our goodbyes to some of the remaining pax, and once more headed back outside into the cold. Bob gave us a final few words of encouragement, reminding us to stay wrapped up! Good advice! Thanks Bob!
Once back on the streets, we were soon back on the riverside, and the freezing fog was still blowing in off the river.
It was taking a lot out of me, and although i didn’t say anything to Mike at this stage, i began to feel very nauseous. We walked a lot in silence now, which was no surprise. Our pace had also dropped a little, but that really didn’t matter right now. Finishing what we started was the name of the game.
We all have our personal reasons and motivations for doing these crazy things. As i said at the start of my blog, for me this particular challenge i was doing in my Dad’s memory. No way i was not going to reach the finish line in Henley. As long as i could get rid of that nausea.
No photos at all right now. I felt awful!
An hour or so passed, as the promise of dawn began to glimmer on the horizon. Although it was still quite cold, being able to focus on something further than what’s directly in front you during the darkness, was a huge lift.
Despite this, soon after we had crossed a small bridge near Bourne End, i had to rest by a park bench. I had this feeling in my windpipe like i was gagging, and there was nothing for it except to make myself throw up.
I wasn’t sick as such, just a release of the huge amounts of adrenaline i’d been storing (apologies for that).
But after a few minutes, i felt a hell of a lot better! In fact i felt like a new person, just awakening out of a dream. I felt alive and eager to continue.
So much so, that as the dawn’s first light became a little clearer, Mike and i were both stopping here and there to admire the vista of the low mist as it hung onto the tips of the tall grass in the adjacent fields. I was ready to take some more photos (a good sign i was feeling a lot better!).
6am
It was around 6am as we approached Marlow, and we’d successfully made it through the night. Dawn had broken, as we slowly made our way away temporarily from the river into Marlow’s quiet sleepy streets, before heading onto the bridge.
6.20am
Although we didn’t need to cross the bridge, we both simply had to stop and make a small diversion onto the bridge, as there was a spectacular orange glow in the sky, that presented us with a spectacular scene across the river, which lifted both our hearts!
With a bit more of a spring in our stride we ploughed on. First back through some streets and away from the river, and past Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, before the path took us back down to the river’s edge once more.
There were still a few kms to go before we reached rest stop 7. Mike seemed to sense this as he once again strode a little further ahead, whilst i took in the beauty of the early morning. Although i too was also in a hurry to make it to our final rest stop, i also knew right then that we were going to make it to the finish no matter what.
3 hours and 20 minutes after having left rest stop 6, we finally made it to our last rest stop at Hurley. That 11.5km stretch had been slow!
But we were so close now!
07.20am
Rest Stop 7: Hurley (88.5km/100km)
Being the last rest stop on the challenge, it’s a much smaller resting place, and also noticeably much quieter!
I didn’t care. I was exhausted! I needed something hot. So i grabbed a pot of porridge and sat down. The sun had risen now, and it felt great to feel some warmth, despite the still very early hour in the day.
As i sat there, Mike came over to me and said he wanted to leave. Yep, let’s do this! I was so happy that we’d both shared this experience together, and we’d soon (in about 3 hours) be crossing the finishing line together. Mike said it was written in the stars! Hell yeah!
07.45am
Mike and i left our rest stop, and headed back out for the final time!
My down jacket was now firmly packed away, and it felt great once more to be walking in the sun…although i also knew the heat would soon get much stronger before too long.
For now, it was a glorious morning. Yes, my legs ached, my feet were tired, and all i wanted was to finish walking!!! But despite all of that, it was a beautiful day with stunning views.
A few kms down the path near Medmenham, we veered off and entered a field, which felt good to walk on soft ground.
9am
Another km or so and we entered the grounds of Aston, famous for its herd of white Deer!
We continued through fields as we began to edge closer to Henley.
09.20am
After crossing through a field with a herd of curious cows, we come to another landmark…the 95km marker! Sooo close now!
I then came across the young guy from Newcastle i’d walked and chatted with for a brief spell much earlier sometime between 50km-60km in the night. He wasn’t looking so great, and was limping quite badly. But he was doing amazing, and no doubt he would make it having come this far!
09.36am
96km…At that precise moment i received a message from Marissa, asking how i was doing.
A wave of emotion came over me, and I was immediately struck with a strong desire to cry. In fact as i continued to walk, i did! Thoughts of her, and then my Dad, and why i’d put myself through all of this all came at once, and it was like a release.
I replied to her message saying i’d call her once i’d pulled myself together.
Another message came through…
More tears!!! Thanks Marissa! X
Ok…pull yourself together Marc!
Emotional outburst over, I smiled at Mike, who was watching and must have wondering what was up.
He got it, no need to explain, and from that moment on, we both joked and talked about our journey together and looked forward to making it to the finish line.
I then called Marissa, and it was great to get some final words of encouragement from her.
09.50am
Now on the home run into Henley.
A further 20 minutes walking on the towpath, and we hit the 99km marker! Joy and rapture!
And the familiar sight of Henley-on-Thames came into view…
10.28am as we head into the final few metres and the finish line in sight…
We could hear the familiar tones of Dave the MC over the microphone announcing our arrival, and see Michelle, who heads up the Trek Master team, alongside a few other familiar welcoming friendly faces.
Finish Line: Mill Meadows, Henley (100km/100km)
10.29am
As Mike and i approached the finish line, we gave each other a big hug. We’d done it!
100km - 27 hours, 26 minutes, and 9 seconds (to be precise).
Food, drink, massage, etc.
After collecting my large bag from the bag drop point, i immediately changed into some fresh clothes, removed my walking shoes and collected my lunch - or rather a late breakfast consisting of an English breakfast!
It was then that my body reminded me to go to the massage tent. OMG…just laying down on the massage bed felt like bliss!
Messages of Support
Before heading home, i picked up my phone and discovered a ton of messages on FB that had been pouring in throughout the weekend. It was incredible, and really quite overpowering to see such love and support, from family and friends, and from the Action Challenge FB fraternity.
Every single message meant so much to me! Thank you!
Mike and Doug
What a journey we shared together! The EBC Gokyo Gang had been reunited (well 3 of us anyway), and i couldn’t have wished for better people to share it with!
Doug for the first 50km, and Mike throughout the entire 100km. Legends!
Thames Path Challenge - Final Statistics
A few days after the challenge, the final stats were published for all of the challenges as part of the Thames Festival Weekend, on the Action Challenge FB Group. I won’t list them all here, but just looking at the stats for the…
Full Continuous 100km Challenge…
992 participants, 733 finished, 73.9% completion.
It had been a brutal challenge…one i’ll never forget…and will never do again! (Ok…of course i can always be persuaded!).
Until next time…
Thanks for reading…and as usual…
Happy hiking!
Marc
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